Infinity Unlimited programmer
The Infinity USB Unlimited: (Category Universal programmers)
This programmer pictured below, is the Infinity USB Unlimited. It is the 3rd programmer that I know of, which is entirely USB driven, and yet supports real Phoenix/Smartmouse support via a virtual COM-port. So it is not only an USB programmer, but it also acts as a true interface if you need that. For instance for software programs like MOSC editing tools, direct memory editing tools etc.
To start with one of the great features of the all new Unlimited: it supports about every thinkable card currently available. Just see this impressive list below:
But this latest Infinity does have more to offer than just programming or editing ISO smartcards. It also has a slot for small form factor GSM/SIM cards. At the time of writing of this article, WBE does not have software of their own for editing GSM/SIM cards, but they are working on it.
What they do have though, are some very interesting other tools:
1. PasswordSafe for storing login details (username/password) on a AVR based card.
2. VCP (Virtual Com Port) software which allows the use of 3rd party software.
Especially the VCP software has been subject of desire for lots of people. Including me. I know that there have been quite a few people that bought the programmer in a very early stage, when the VCP was not (yet) working trouble free. They were very disappointed by that. But the patience (even if unvoluntary in some cases) has paid off. Now that the VCP is finished and has grown mature, it does seem to fullfill every need. At least I did not come across any sofware that was unable to communicate with the card, provided that the VCP software is configured correctly. And for most 3rd party software there is a ready made profile available that you can select.
And it's good to know that the programmer is firmware-upgradable by software. So if future hardware modifications are required, you may expect WBE to supply you the necessary tools to do it yourself.
Another nice feature for the true hobbyist is the SDK, or Software Development Kit. It's a fully documented set of tools and code samples for writing your own applications.
All in all, this programmer had a few drawbacks when it was first released. But now that most of the sofware issues have been solved, it is a truely recomendable piece of hardware. Blazingly fast if you need straight forward programming. Very versatile thanks to the VCP and the availability of the SDK. A nice gimmick like the PasswordSafe software, and more to come.
With the slowly but steadily disappearance of the true COM-ports on modern PC's, this is currently the best alternative for real COM-port programmers or hybrid programmers. It surely makes your investment future proof ;)